Douglas Holding Looks to Acquire French Nocibé Perfumery Chain

Posted: October 24, 2013

AI Perfume France SAS, a company controlled by the shareholders of Douglas Holding AG, has entered into exclusive negotiations with European financial investor Charterhouse Capital Partners to acquire French perfumery chain Nocibé. With this transaction, Douglas Group, owned by Advent international and the founding Kreke family, would further develop its position as a leading perfumery chain in Europe, as it is envisaged that Nocibé would be integrated under the roof of the Douglas Holding AG by closing of the transaction.

Douglas and Nocibé are already among the region’s leading industry players, ranking fourth and third in the French perfumery market, respectively. The acquisition of Nocibé by the Douglas Group would create the largest perfumery chain in France, with 625 stores and about 4,000 employees. Together, Douglas and Nocibé would achieve a No. 2 position in terms of turnover.

The two companies both are selective perfumery chains. Customers in France would benefit nationwide from the significantly expanded and more attractive ranges of products and services, including a large variety of exclusive fragrances, cosmetic products and beautician boutiques.

Henning Kreke, representative of the Kreke family, commented, "Following the delisting of Douglas Holding AG by the Kreke family and Advent International, this transaction would represent a major milestone in the successful implementation of our joint growth strategy. As part of our corporate strategy, we will continue to successfully expand the position of our perfumeries in Europe, in order to become one of the leading and most competent operators in each country in which we are active in.”

The proposed transaction is subject to customary approvals, such as the completion of the consultation process with the workers’ councils and antitrust clearance.